Document Type : Original Article
Authors
Department of Rehabilitation and Movement Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Physical therapists provide important services to improve physical health for
the general population; however, physical therapy interventions are less utilized with underserved
populations such as those with severe mental illness (SMI). The quality of services for these
populations is impacted in part by negative provider attitudes and lack of preparation to work with
the SMI population. This study examined the impact of structured educational field experience on the
physical therapist’s attitudes and knowledge about working with the SMI population. This will inform
future educational practices to best prepare students to provide quality of healthcare to the population.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seven graduates of a doctor of physical therapy (DPT) program
from a Mid‑Atlantic University in the United States who participated in an SMI service‑learning (SL)
experience completed a semi‑structured qualitative interview in 2016. Questions about how the
experience impacted their current work were asked. Interviews were digitally recorded, transcribed,
and examined using interpretive phenomenological analysis. Coding and investigator triangulation
were conducted. All interviews reached thematic saturation.
RESULTS: The graduated DPT students reported attitudinal changes toward people with SMI through
qualitative interviews. They reported an improvement in their skills, greater competence to work with
the SMI population, and an increased focus in the use of person‑centered services.
CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that DPT students gain an understanding of both
the SMI population and themselves during SL. Using SL as part of the DPT educational curriculum
can offer students and the opportunity to build confidence in working with the SMI population. SL
can also improve their skills and attitudes toward the population, key areas that are identified as
barriers to receiving quality physical healthcare among the SMI population.
Keywords
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